Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur's playcalling has become, in a word, predictable. Fans can see it but, more importantly, opposing defensive coordinators can see it.

As a result, troubling patterns are emerging. In each of the Rams first two games, the team had a lead well into the third quarter. Unfortunately, they were unable to extend those leads, which ultimately crumbled. Poor execution can be blamed, but only to an extent. It has been clear that opposing defenses have "figured out" the Rams' offense, resulting in fewer holes for Steven Jackson, and fewer open receivers for Sam Bradford.

Some might be tempted to blame the defense, but the reality is, the offense's failure to move the ball and score points in the second halves of games has placed undue pressure on the defense.

So what is the explanation for the static, predictable, "insane" offense?

Typically, the answer offered is "lack of talent at the skill positions," particularly at wide receiver.

That's not an acceptable answer.

In fact, a team that lacks offensive firepower MUST be unpredictable, innovative and, indeed, a bit crazy.

When the Miami Dolphins hit the field in 2008, they too had a dearth of offensive talent. But, rather than addressing that by being conservative, they rolled out the craziest offensive scheme the league has seen in a while: the "Wildcat." Guess what? It worked.

I'm not advocating that the Rams use the "Wildcat," which NFL defenses have now caught up with to a large extent. Rather, I'm suggesting that the Rams need to find their own crazy scheme to mix things up a bit.

Run a reverse to Mardy Gilyard.

Work on more ways to get Steven Jackson the ball out of the backfield.

Let Jackson throw the ball on a halfback option.

Call a fly pattern on 2nd and one.

The Rams don't have the talent to line up in a simple offense and say to the defense "here we come... try to stop us." Thinking that will work right now is insane.